MIDI Express 128 stopped being recognized

[zekmoe]

Ok I probably shouldn’t have done it but I haven’t used the MIDI express 128 in a while, mostly playing with virtu synths. So I upgraded a few weeks ago( Mac mini, latest OS) and it stopped responding or being recognized. I downloaded what I think are the latest installer and drivers but no success.
Any suggestions? My primary need is to sent MIDI time code to drum machines, but have several and wanted them all connected.
Thanks

[mikehalloran]

TIhree things:

1) Your USB cable must support USB 2 (480KB/s). Many don’t including most Thunderbolt 3 cables. If in doubt, order up a USB Printer Cable — these only support USB 2, backwards compatible to USB 1.1 (older MOTU MIDI interfaces).

2) This is the correct driver.

Driver Supports
MOTU MIDI Installer
Mac v91217 | May 17, 2022
macOS 13, macOS 12, macOS 11

3) This needs to be done within 30 minutes of installing MOTU drivers on a Mac. You may have to reboot first. If you miss that window, reinstall the drivers and try again.

Unfortunately, this bulletin not accurate for Ventura but MOTU has not updated this. Probably best to call if still having problems.

https://motu.com/techsupport/technotes ... igh-sierra

[zekmoe]

Thanks, will order a new cable as I know the one I have is many years old and try again.

[mikehalloran]

Thanks, will order a new cable as I know the one I have is many years old and try again.

You don't say which Mini you have. Your MIDI Express has a USB-B port. Each of these cables comes in multiple lengths:

If you need a cable with USB-A on the other end…
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Ex ... ref=sr_1_3

If USB-C on the other end…
https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-Pr ... ref=sr_1_3

[zmix]

I am experiencing the same problem here, except that I've been using a MIDI Express 128 and a Fastlane in my system for years, and suddenly they do not show up in AudioMIDI nor in Logic.

This happened recently in Monterey, but repeatedly installing the drivers fixed it, and yesterday I installed Ventura on a separate drive and I have no MOTU MIDI. The MOTU USB System Extension App Indicates that the correct driver is installed.

I have deleted the Audio MIDI preferences and re-scaned, still no MOTU MIDI.

In my case it is certainly not cables, same cables same USB3 hub, etc.

I've tried to manually uninstall any and all drivers (and the online instructions posted by MOTU and Sweetwater and others are bad! Not complete nor accurate in terms of where the drivers are stored between root and user folders!)

What's concerning is that when I locate and manually uninstall all drivers and preferences, re-boot, then re-install the installer says "update" when I select the driver to install - how? Update from what?

So frustrated at this sudden breakdown, I've swapped everything and still no change..

Can anyone help me ?

I'm moments away from just buying a iConnect class compliant MIDI interface..

[faneuil]

EXACTLY the same problem here after *upgrading* to Ventura.
MOTU needs to issue new drivers.
I tried reinstall of their lateest drivers and tried multiple OS privacy settings but no luck
Mac “sees” the Express 128 on USB hardware but OS doesn’t present it as MIDI device anymore.
Help!

[mikehalloran]

Did you reinstall the MOTU drivers? The security settings are in different places in Ventura. It would be nice if MOTU put out a different bulletin than the one for High Sierra–Monterey. It still needs to be run within 30 minutes of the driver install and sometimes a reboot after installation is necessary for it to show up.

My MTP AV USB works fine over Ventura on my iMac Pro.

How old is the battery? I change mine every 5–7 years.

[faneuil]

I bought a used ME128 -- which was working find pre Ventura.
Where are the security setting that you changed in Ventura?
Battery? The ME128?
thanks
eric

[mikehalloran]

Again, this has not been updated for Ventura but this is what has to be done within 30 minutes of installation. I recommend rebooting immediately after installing. Sometimes, you will get screen prompte—if so, don't ignore them.

https://motu.com/techsupport/technotes/ ... igh-sierra

Most MOTU MIDI devices have a CR2032 battery inside. The manual does not list it as it's not considered a "User Serviceable Part" There will be a couple screws holding the cover on. Remove them and you'll see the battery holder.

[faneuil]

crap - one screw stripped.. the other 2 came out fine!

[faneuil]

followup - got the screw out
Opened up the ME128 -- nope no battery inside
Eric